## Scholar Guidelines and Code of Conduct — JAPAN-IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA 2026-27 Master’s Track, Two-Year Program ## Source details **Canonical URL:** [Scholar Guidelines and Code of Conduct — JAPAN-IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA 2026-27 Master’s Track, Two-Year Program](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/3-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026-two-year-program.pdf) ## Other formats - [Markdown version](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/3-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026-two-year-program.pdf.md) - [Structured JSON version](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/3-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026-two-year-program.pdf.json) --- ### Purpose and General Expectations - The document stipulates the official guidelines and code of conduct under the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA). - Scholars represent their institution and are supported by the Government of Japan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to study at their university (Provision 1). - Scholars must conduct themselves professionally and observe the highest standards of ethical conduct consistent with the IMF’s core values of integrity, respect and inclusion (Provision 1). - Scholars must abide by all guidelines governing student and academic behavior at their university and by the laws of Japan and other applicable national laws, including those of their home country (Provision 1). - Universities reserve the right to revoke admission, suspend, expel, or discipline scholars, and scholars must fully cooperate with university investigations; failure to cooperate may itself constitute misconduct and may result in termination of the scholarship (Provision 1). ### Academic Integrity and Conduct - Plagiarism, academic dishonesty and any other form of misrepresentation of academic work are strictly prohibited; violations may result in university disciplinary action and termination of the scholarship (Provision 2). - Scholars must treat one another and all persons they interact with during JISPA in a professional manner with courtesy and respect (Provision 3). - Any form of harassment (including physical, verbal, or sexual) and any form of discrimination are strictly prohibited; such conduct may constitute misconduct and could result in disciplinary action by the university and termination of the scholarship (Provision 3). - Scholars must adhere to their university’s policies on anti-harassment and non-discrimination irrespective of differences in cultural or personal norms (Provision 3). ### Academic Commitment and Restrictions - Main priority: full-time pursuit of academic work; scholars must show full commitment and work closely with their university and the IMF to resolve problems affecting studies (Provision 4). - Scholars must notify their university and the IMF as soon as problems that may affect studies arise (Provision 4). - Any form of work, whether part-time or full-time or paid or unpaid, is not permitted during the JISPA study period (Provision 5). - Scholars are expected to be in good physical and mental health at commencement and must maintain health to engage in full-time study; immediate notification to the university and the IMF is required for health issues affecting studies (Provision 6). ### Personal and Professional Changes; Return Obligation - Scholars must communicate significant changes in personal or professional circumstances to their university and the IMF; acceptance was based on application information, and failure to report changes (e.g., employment status) may affect eligibility and result in revocation of the scholarship (Provision 7). - Scholars are expected to comply with pledges made with their government; upon completion of the program, scholars are required to return to their sponsoring agency to utilize acquired knowledge and skills for at least two years or the period stipulated by the sponsoring agency, if longer (Provision 8). - For monitoring purposes, scholars should inform their university and the IMF beforehand if they plan to leave their sponsoring agency (Provision 8). ### Data Sharing, Attendance, and Financial Terms - Scholars authorize universities, the Orientation Program host institution, the Government of Japan, the IMF and its designated agencies to share personal information (including application information, academic records, and future career progress) among these institutions to implement the scholarship program (Provision 9). - Scholars are required to attend all JISPA-related activities in a punctual manner organized or designated by the IMF, except when events conflict with academic activities (Provision 10). - JISPA financial support is limited to items listed in the “Arrangements for Scholars” document; scholars are responsible for all other expenses incurred beyond those covered by JISPA and for payment of any debts incurred in Japan (Provision 11). - Scholars are prohibited from receiving any other scholarships during the JISPA study period (Provision 11). ### Program Administration, Sanctions, and Duration - The IMF may communicate with a scholar’s agency and reserve the right to take further actions, including, but not limited to, reduction of stipend, if issues affecting studies or breaches of the guidelines arise (Provision 12). - The scholarship is awarded for the period of one year, extendable for a second year upon: - certification by the university of appropriate performance, and - the university’s recommendation for the extension; - prior-consent of the scholar’s agency for a two- year period of studies needs to be obtained and shall be certified in the acceptance confirmation form sent with the scholarship offer letter (Provision 13). - The scholarship, including the scholarship offer, may be suspended, terminated, or withdrawn unilaterally by the IMF, in consultation with the university, if a scholar does not adhere to these guidelines and code of conduct (Provision 14). ### Scholar Declaration - Scholars must acknowledge: - “I have read and understand the ‘Scholar Guidelines and Code of Conduct’ and ‘Arrangements for Scholars’ document and promise to adhere to them.” - “I understand that any misrepresentation or omission of facts will justify a rejection or revocation of the scholarship award.” - Space is provided for Name, Signature, and Date. --- _Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/3-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026-two-year-program.pdf_